The Sewing Place

Machine Talk => Sewing Machines => Topic started by: Joni_80 on April 11, 2021, 16:09:36 PM

Title: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Joni_80 on April 11, 2021, 16:09:36 PM
 Hi Everyone,
I am a new member.  I have been sewing in on way or another since I was a child, when my stepmum gave me her Singer Magic sewing machine. I took it to uni with me, where I studied a Textiles Degree and it survived me feeding it plaster of paris and wool concoctions. Yes I used it and abused it, but it never let me down.

I went travelling a few years back and had to sell most of my stuff and so it had to go... Since then a friend gave me her very basic E&R machine, which was pretty awful to sew on, and I finally killed it making hundreds of face masks during lockdown.

So... I would like to purchase another machine. My limit is around £300, but I would like a machine that I can quilt on, but isn't going to break easy - none of these plasticy flimsy machines.  Ideally with drop feed for free motion quilting and a extension table/capacity for one.I am new to quilting, but would prefer an intermediate machine as I'm not new to sewing.

I've so far been looking at Singer Heavy Duty 4423/4432/4411, or Brother/Janome machines.   
If anyone has any advice it would be greatly received.
Thank you   :loveit:

Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Ellabella on April 11, 2021, 16:20:25 PM
Hi and welcome @Joni_80 .

I think lots of us on here would suggest going for a second hand machine as you would normally get lots more bang for your buck and would be more likely to get something with some substance.  At the moment a lot of second hand machines are going for silly money, as there has been such an upsurge of interest due to the lockdown.   Have you got a local dealer where you can try things out?

If not try somewhere like SMD in Wrexham who will offer lots of good advice.

I love my Janome, but would avoid a new Singer, old ones of course are another matter.
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Helen M on April 11, 2021, 16:27:51 PM
I'll second what @Ellabella says about Singers. I too love my Janome.
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Surest1tch on April 11, 2021, 17:37:33 PM
Hi @Joni_80, welcome from me too. I totally agree with Ellabella & Helen M about going for an older second hand machine, they are far better and to be honest I've had 3 new machines over the years and still prefer the older (ancient) ones my favourite is actually older than me and I'm 67
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Iminei on April 11, 2021, 18:30:40 PM
Have a look here   (https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/topic,10961.0.html)and here  (https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/board,56.0.html)
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Gernella on April 11, 2021, 19:50:48 PM
I've always liked the look of the Janome  HD series @Joni_80

https://sewingmachineguide.co.uk/janome-hd2200
 
A nice 10kg so it's got some musclec

Bit over budget new but Russell at SMD is good for a barter or he might even have a demo in the wings and still get a guarantee.

Oh and welcome. :)
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: charley on April 11, 2021, 19:52:51 PM
Hello and welcome from me too. Good advice from the experts on here for you, and I hope you find a good machine.
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Efemera on April 11, 2021, 20:19:51 PM
I wouldn’t recommend a new Singer, they don’t have a good reputation and there’s no such thing as a heavy duty machine. There’s no such thing as a semi industrial either, it’s either domestic or industrial. Most people have their preference.. I’m a Pfaff fan.
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Joni_80 on April 11, 2021, 21:15:11 PM
Thank you for all your swift and wise replies.

I hear you! I had read some reviews saying that the singer heavyweight was a bit of a swizz and it’s not anywhere near as good as it makes out & perhaps that’s why I have hesitated.

I have been looking at some second hand Janome/Bernina and Pfaff’s but I feel like I’m scratching around in the dark a little. I just missed out on a Brother Innovis 400 on ebay for £200 because I was dithering.  I will take all your comments / advice on board & have a look at the links you have kindly suggested. 

Feel free to send me any recommendations Of second hand models.

I will let you all know what I plumb for in the end!
Thank you ☺️
 :P
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: CraftyIrish on April 11, 2021, 22:52:34 PM
I have the singer heavy duty 4411 and it has given me no trouble at all, it runs through anything I put under it. Now saying that I didn't know what I wanted in a machine when I bought it in 2019. For quilting the throat is too small if your doing big quilts. I would have liked more stitch options. I would stay away from it if that's what you where hoping to use it for.

I will soon be selling mine whenever I save up for a better machine.
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Joni_80 on April 12, 2021, 09:38:59 AM
Thanks @CraftyIrish
Yes, I think the 4423/4432 have more stitches, but I am looking to be able to do large quilts... eventually  :D
So I think I will look out for a second hand model as others have suggested.
Thank you  <3
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on April 12, 2021, 09:40:15 AM
Sewing Machine World in Kings Lynn are very helpful - I see you are in Norwich, so maybe not too far away.
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Iminei on April 12, 2021, 09:47:55 AM
Rather than rushing out to buy the best machine for all the eeeenormous quilts you are going to make ... Why not work your way up to your perfect machine.

The Good brands hold their value and are often to be found second hand as someone else upgrades and can be sold on if you too upgrade as long as you look after it well.
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Lilian on April 12, 2021, 10:26:22 AM
Welcome @Joni_80 you are in the right place to find a machine, lots of good advise already given.  :vintage:
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: b15erk on April 12, 2021, 11:31:53 AM
Welcome to TSP @Joni_80 !

I haven't bought a new machine in nearly 40years, when I bought my Pfaff 1475cd, which is still used regularly.  I fell in love with the old Singers when I saw the quality of the straight stitch, and the beautiful sound they make - they just purr along...

I still use my old Singers on a daily basis, 201k, 611g and an old Bernina 730, and my trusty old Pffaf 1475cd.

However, if you want a more modern machine, my recommendation would be to go to one of the companies mentioned, and look at second hand - you will get more for your money.

Jessie
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Nevis5 on April 12, 2021, 11:46:20 AM
Hello @Joni_80  ! Just wanted to add to everyone else's welcomes.  Others are so much more knowledgeable than me about machines so I'll let them advise you.  I would just say that I have three Berninas of different ages and of the three it's the oldest one I prefer to use  ;) x
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Elnnina on April 12, 2021, 14:34:45 PM
Hello and welcome from me too.  Enjoy your sewing.

I see that you are up in Norwich, now there is a shop in Kings Lynn run by a member on here called Machine Steve, so why not treat yourself to a trip to Kings Lynn and just see what he has to offer in the way or sturdy older machines, i.e. those taken in part exchange, and also have a look at the more modern machines which I think you will find for your budget rather inadequate with regards to the weight of the machine and thus likely to move around the table.  In the past I have read from others on here that Steve and his staff are excellent, will listen to what you are wanting and help you decide what is best for you.

May I wish you well in your quest.
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: StitchinTime on April 13, 2021, 19:06:18 PM
@Joni_80 The shop in King’s Lynn mentioned in the previous post is Sewing Machine World and they have put an ex-demo Janome machine on their Facebook page this afternoon. It is a 360DC and is priced at £300 , reduced from £409.

I don’t think I can link directly to the post, but the link below should take you to their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/sewingmachineworldonline/
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Joni_80 on April 13, 2021, 22:18:20 PM
Great Stuff,
I will have a look for sure & I’ll check out the machine on FB.
Kings Lynn could be a nice trip up to the coast for me and my pooch  :woof: <3
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: KayK on April 14, 2021, 12:16:10 PM
Sewing Machine World in Kings Lynn are very helpful - I see you are in Norwich, so maybe not too far away.
I second this - Steve often has machines that he has taken in part ex and doesn't necessarily advertise them, it's worth a phone call and a visit!

The older ones are the best, the older mechanical Bernina's hold their value, and are pretty solid, although can be a bit pricey - Facebook marketplace is a pretty good place to look too!
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: William on April 15, 2021, 19:32:10 PM
Hello-

After some years of working on various maschines,the only machines i have been sorry to sell have been the Singer Heavy Duty 5511 (the only decent Singer i have come across in quite a few years) and a Pfaff Smarter 150. A Victoria Graffitti comes close to this list (call it `honourable mention`).

WD
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Joni_80 on April 16, 2021, 13:58:13 PM
Hi everyone,
Thanks for all the advice!
Thank you especially to @Elnnina @Bodgeitandscarper and @StitchinTime i rang up Machine Steve & he was really nice and helpful.
I I ended up with the one you mentioned on the FB page - the Janome360DC with extension table.
It looks lush. I’m going to have a go on it and let all you know how it feels.

It’s not as heavy weight as I initially desired, but I decided I can always get an old straight stitch table top jobbie for anything mega thick that I want to stitch.

Thanks again. It’s very purdy  <3 :meow: xxx
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: StitchinTime on April 16, 2021, 14:32:05 PM
Enjoy your new machine, @Joni_80. My machine was an ex-demo from a dealer and it was good to know that it had been tried and tested and any issues sorted.

If you are wanting to sew heavy weight fabrics you might be surprised what your machine can handle with an appropriate needle.
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: Elnnina on April 16, 2021, 14:40:59 PM
Thank you for keeping us in the picture, now I hope you will enjoy using this machine and all that it can do.  Have fun.
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: whofilets on April 21, 2021, 12:23:49 PM
I'm in your boat now! I moved here from the US (my spouse works here) and left my old machine behind. It was one of those new Singers people warn you about... It made a nice gift for the family friend who hosted me while I was in school and will want to teach her granddaughters to sew a little bit. But it was a "good riddance" gift for me. I want to step up.

I'm looking at refurbished machines, found a few on sewing4everyone though I haven't heard a lot about this website or company.
Sewing Machine World is just over an hour drive for me, maybe it'll be my next trip for a long weekend  :sew:
Title: Re: Hi i'm new here and looking for a new machine - please help!
Post by: KayK on April 21, 2021, 15:23:18 PM
I'm in your boat now! I moved here from the US (my spouse works here) and left my old machine behind. It was one of those new Singers people warn you about... It made a nice gift for the family friend who hosted me while I was in school and will want to teach her granddaughters to sew a little bit. But it was a "good riddance" gift for me. I want to step up.

I'm looking at refurbished machines, found a few on sewing4everyone though I haven't heard a lot about this website or company.
Sewing Machine World is just over an hour drive for me, maybe it'll be my next trip for a long weekend  :sew:

 sewing4everyone - have pretty decent machines, well prepared, but very, very expensive indeed, eye-wateringly so!  i think it would be better to look for a part ex with an actual shop, or even have a look on Facebook marketplace, in areas local to you!